AG ISSUES & PERCEPTIONS

Career Development Event This is a Leadership CDE

Table of Contents

Section Page

General Leadership Career Development Event Rules ...........................................2

Event Specific Rules ................................................................................................5

Event Forms .............................................................................................................9

1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy

Ankeny, IA 50023 P: 515-965-7376

F: 515-965-7373 iowaffa.com

-2- Approved: September 21, 2019

LEADERSHIP CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENT (CDE)

GENERAL POLICIES, RULES, RESULTS AND STANDARDS

*Violations of any of the following rules may be grounds for the disqualification of the participants.

I. Board Policies The following board policies (http://www.iowaffa.com/ffaboardpolicies.aspx) apply directly or in part to

Leadership CDEs:

Board Policy #3: Changes to Judging Event Results

Board Policy #11: Substitution of Team Members

Board Policy #25: Advancement of Teams to National FFA Competition

Board Policy #27: Use of Electronic Storage/Transmission Devices

II. Eligibly of Chapters and Participants 1. Events are open to all FFA chapters in good standing with the Iowa FFA Association. The first qualifying

level of participation varies among sub-district, district, and state levels. Refer to event specific rules to

identify the initial level of participation.

2. It is recommended, but not required, to have local FFA advisors or their designee enter teams in the initial

level of an event their intent to have a team on Iowa FFA On-Line (http://anfmp01.dmacc.edu/fmi/webd#)

seven (7) days prior to the initial event.

3. Participants in the following events may compete in only one sub-district, one district and one state FFA

event: Ag Broadcasting

Ag CSI

Ag Impact

Ag Issues & Perceptions

Ag Sales (Individual)

Chapter Program

Chapter Website (Event Day Presenter)

Conduct of Meetings

Experience the Action

Extemporaneous Speaking

FFA Creed Speaking

Job Interview

Parliamentary Procedure

Public Speaking

4. Only one entry per chapter is permitted in each official event with the following exceptions: Ag CSI and

Ag Impact. It is strongly recommended that local events be utilized to determine the local winner to

broaden the base of competition at the local level.

5. After an FFA Advisor registers the chapter’s intent to enter an event, it is suggested, but not required, to

enter the names of the participants on Iowa FFA On-Line (http://anfmp01.dmacc.edu/fmi/webd#) by noon

three (3) days prior to the event. Any member not listed on Iowa FFA On-Line will need to be registered

as an FFA member on the National FFA Roster (https://www.ffa.org/home). Changes to online entries

may be made the day of the event. State and National FFA Dues will be invoiced in accordance with Iowa

FFA Association policies and by-laws.

6. A participant, at the time of his/her participation in the state event and selection as a national team

member, must:

a. Be a current bona fide dues paying FFA member in good standing with the local chapter, state FFA

Association and the National FFA Organization at the time of the career development event in which

he/she participates.

b. Be a middle school or high school FFA member, (a graduating senior is considered eligible to

compete in state and national career development events up to and including their first national

convention following graduation). Middle school refers to students in grades 7-8 and high school

refers to students in grades 9-12.

c. Currently be an active FFA member of the chapter making entry into the event.

-3- Approved: September 21, 2019

7. A member may not participate in both a state 4-H and state FFA event when said events are held on the

same day.

8. If an entry in a leadership CDE is not able to advance, the designated alternate(s) will become the

participant(s).

9. Members are eligible to participate for up to two years in the following CDEs on the sub-district/district

level. Once they have participated in one of those events on the state level they are ineligible to

participate in that event in future years. Ag Broadcasting

Ag CSI

Ag Impact

Ag Issues & Perceptions

Ag Sales (Individual)

Chapter Program

Conduct of Meetings

Experience the Action

Extemporaneous Speaking

Job Interview

Parliamentary Procedure

Public Speaking

10. At the Sub-District and District level, it is permissible to deliver the written materials to the Sub-District

Advisor or District Advisor respectively. Written materials will be returned following the respective event

and may be revised before the next event. Written materials advancing to the State event must be

postmarked to the FFA Enrichment Center seven (7) business days following the District event. Events

with written materials include: Ag CSI

Ag Impact

Ag Sales (Individual)

Chapter Program

Experience the Action

Job Interview

Public Speaking

11. No student may participate in more than one CDE each year at the national level.

12. Accommodations for participants can be made upon request of the FFA Advisor. The accommodation

form must be submitted no less than 14 days prior to the respective event. Any assistance given to a team

member from any source other than the career development event officials or assistants will be sufficient

cause to eliminate the team from the career development event.

13. Participants shall not initiate contact with the judges. Doing so will result in a 5% deduction of points.

Interactions allowed between the judges and participants are identified in each respective Leadership

CDE’s rules.

14. Items needed for specific phases of each CDE will be noted under their specific rules.

15. Participants are expected to observe the National FFA Code of Ethics and the Proper Use of the FFA

Jacket during the career development events found in the Official FFA Manual

(https://www.ffa.org/official-manual/).

16. Official FFA dress is expected for all participants when appropriate. If official dress is not appropriate,

official casual dress should be worn. Official casual dress shall consist of 1) FFA t-shirt or polo shirt and

2) khaki or nice denim pants or shorts.

III. Holding Room Operating Procedures

17. Only holding room supervisor(s) and FFA participants are allowed in the holding area while competitive

events are in session.

-4- Approved: September 21, 2019

18. Participants will be escorted to the bathroom by an official FFA student or courtesy corps member. If

participants are in procession of electronic storage or transmission devices, participants will hand over

technology to student escort during that time.

19. In case of emergency, the sub-district or district advisor will be notified immediately, as well as the

participant’s advisor(s) and holding room supervisors.

20. In the event of an emergency contact which must be made with a participant, the message will be relayed

to the participant by means of the holding room supervisor(s), and/or the holding room supervisor

accompanying the advisor(s) delivering the message.

21. In the event that participants are arriving late, the participants will be met at the main entrance of the

event and escorted by an event official to the holding room area and immediately check in with the

holding room supervisor(s). Allowance of a late arrival is at the discretion of the host advisor.

IV. Judging Results and Awards 22. All events at sub-district, district and state levels are to be judged on a group ranking basis of Gold

Emblem, Silver Emblem, and Bronze Emblem. Members placing below the three rankings will be listed

as participants. Only if a written rule is violated will a “participation” ranking be given. This will prevent

that entry from advancing. If necessary for entry in a regional or national event, one or more of the

winners will be selected.

23. First, second, and third place shall be designated in every event at the state level.

24. In sub-district, district and state events, effort will be made to secure three (Ag Sales and Job Interview

events shall have four) qualified and impartial persons to serve as judges whose decisions shall be final.

25. Judges:

a. Effort will be made to make the comments of judges on strong and weak features available to all

advisors for their participants, after the placings have been made.

b. Of all events should make every effort to supply comments on individuals and team events.

c. Must obtain permission from the CDE Chairperson before issuing a “participation” rating.

26. The results of all district FFA events will be released only by the District FFA Advisor, upon completion

of the events at the district level.

27. Results of sub-district, district, and state events are to be released to the press and radio services so that

parents and others at home may know of the outcome of the FFA events at the earliest opportunity.

Release dates should be STRICTLY observed.

28. All references to awards to be provided by the National FFA Foundation, Inc. or Iowa FFA Foundation,

Inc., are tentative, pending final announcement by the organization.

29. Should an unusual interruption occur while an event is in progress it is expected that good judgment will

be exercised in maintaining fairness to all participants.

30. Officer books advancing to the state level of competition will not be displayed at the district event in

order to assist the district advisors in meeting their obligations to preserve the materials for further

competition. They will be displayed at the state leadership conference.

V. AFNR Career Cluster Content Standards AFNR Content Standards are specifically outlined within each respective Leadership CDE.

-5- Approved: September 21, 2019

Ag Issues & Perceptions CDE 2020 Chairpersons: Ashley Wolfe, Grinnell & Jacob Hunter, Eldridge

2020 Assistant: Caitlin Remington, Bondurant

I. Overview The purpose of the agricultural issues forum is to present a current issue to a public audience. Students will

engage in the selection, research, planning and presentation of a local, state, national or international

agricultural issue with relevance to a chapter’s local community.

This is a District, State & National Level Event.

II. AFNR Career Cluster Content Standards

CRP.01. Standard: Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee.

CRP.01.01. Indicator: Model personal responsibility in the workplace and community.

CRP.01.02. Indicator: Evaluate and consider the near-term and long-term impacts of personal and

professional decisions on employers and community before taking action.

CRP.01.03. Indicator: Identify and act upon opportunities for professional and civic service at work and

in the community.

CRP.02. Standard: Apply appropriate academic and technical skills.

CRP.02.01. Indicator: Use strategic thinking to connect and apply academic learning, knowledge and

skills to solve problems in the workplace and community.

CRP.02.02. Indicator: Use strategic thinking to connect and apply technical concepts to solve problems

in the workplace and community.

CRP.04. Standard: Communicate clearly, effectively and with reason.

CRP.04.01. Indicator: Speak using strategies that ensure clarity, logic, purpose and professionalism in

formal and informal settings.

CRP.04.02. Indicator: Produce clear, reasoned and coherent written and visual communication in formal

and informal settings.

CRP.04.03. Indicator: Model active listening strategies when interacting with others in formal and

informal settings.

CRP.05. Standard: Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions.

CRP.05.01. Indicator: Assess, identify and synthesize the information and resources needed to make

decisions that positively impact the workplace and community.

CRP.05.02. Indicator: Make, defend and evaluate decisions at work and in the community using

information about the potential environmental, social and economic impacts.

CRP.06. Standard: Demonstrate creativity and innovation.

CRP.06.01. Indicator: Synthesize information, knowledge and experience to generate original ideas and

challenge assumptions in the workplace and community.

CRP.06.02. Indicator: Assess a variety of workplace and community situations to identify ways to add

value and improve the efficiency of processes and procedures.

CRP.06.03. Indicator: Create and execute a plan of action to act upon new ideas and introduce

innovations to workplace and community organizations.

CRP.07. Standard: Employ valid and reliable research strategies.

CRP.07.01. Indicator: Select and implement reliable research processes and methods to generate data for

decision-making in the workplace and community.

CRP.07.02. Indicator: Evaluate the validity of sources and data used when considering the adoption of

new technologies, practices and ideas in the workplace and community.

CRP.08. Standard: Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

CRP.08.01. Indicator: Apply reason and logic to evaluate workplace and community situations from

multiple perspectives.

-6- Approved: September 21, 2019

CRP.08.02. Indicator: Investigate, prioritize and select solutions to solve problems in the workplace and

community.

CRP.08.03. Indicator: Establish plans to solve workplace and community problems and execute them

with resiliency.

CRP.09. Standard: Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management.

CRP.09.01. Indicator: Model characteristics of ethical and effective leaders in the workplace and

community (e.g. integrity, self-awareness, self-regulation, etc.).

CRP.09.02. Indicator: Implement personal management skills to function effectively and efficiently in

the workplace (e.g., time management, planning, prioritizing, etc.).

CRP.09.03. Indicator: Demonstrate behaviors that contribute to a positive morale and culture in the

workplace and community (e.g., positively influencing others, effectively communicating, etc.).

CRP.10. Standard: Plan education and career path aligned to personal goals.

CRP.10.03. Indicator: Develop relationships with and assimilate input and/or advice from experts (e.g.,

counselors, mentors, etc.) to plan career and personal goals in a chosen career area.

CRP.10.04. Indicator: Identify, prepare, update and improve the tools and skills necessary to pursue a

chosen career path.

CRP.11. Standard: Use technology to enhance productivity.

CRP.11.01. Indicator: Research, select and use new technologies, tools and applications to maximize

productivity in the workplace and community.

CRP.11.02. Indicator: Evaluate personal and organizational risks of technology use and take actions to

prevent or minimize risks in the workplace and community.

CRP.12. Standard: Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence.

CRP.12.01. Indicator: Contribute to team-oriented projects and builds consensus to accomplish results

using cultural global competence in the workplace and community.

CRP.12.02. Indicator: Create and implement strategies to engage team members to work toward team

and organizational goals in a variety of workplace and community situations (e.g., meetings,

presentations, etc.).

III. Rules The rules governing District and State events, in addition to those for all events, are as follows:

1. The number of members on each discussion team will be three to seven (3-7). Only the certified team

members can take an active role in the presentation of materials and use technology during the

presentation. All team member must be available for questions.

2. Presentations may include official FFA dress, costumes, props, skits and other creative paraphernalia.

Costumes, props, skits and other paraphernalia must be professional in nature and used to showcase

respect of all cultures. The event committee reserves the right to remove any team whose presentation,

props, skits or other actions are disrespectful of others or shows lack of good judgement.

3. Teams must bring their own projector and props for the competition.

4. All topics will be considered to be an agricultural issue. Topics have been screened prior to the event by

respective district or state leadership to ensure their alignment with topics relevant to agriculture.

5. Each discussion team will be limited to the following sequence and time allotment:

A maximum of fifteen (15) minutes will be allowed for the team introduction, discussion, and

conclusion.

The team will receive a signal at ten (10) minutes and fourteen (14) minutes. At fifteen (15) minutes

the timekeeper will announce that time is up, and the presentation will end.

Seven (7) minutes for judges’ questions of the discussion team will be allowed.

Team members will be allowed ten (10) minutes to set up immediately prior to presentation and ten

(10) minutes will be allowed immediately after to the questions portion to tear down. Points will be

deducted for exceeding the 10 minutes to set-up or tear down. (0.1 point/second)

-7- Approved: September 21, 2019

6. The judges in each District shall designate the top two teams to compete in the State event. The judges

shall also name an alternate.

7. The state event may consist of preliminary and final rounds depending on the number of entries.

8. The judges at the State level shall designate the top (1) team to compete at the National event. The judges

shall also rank the top five (5) teams.

9. The winner of the state event will advance to the national level event.

IV. Topic Selection 1. The agricultural issue could come from one of the following eight agricultural issue topic areas as listed

in the Focusing on Agricultural Issues Instructional Materials (www.FFA.org/resources/ag-issues)

2. The issue teams will be discussing is to be presented in a question format.

3. The same general agricultural issue, topic, or question will not be used in the following three years by the

same chapter and/or advisor at the state competitive event.

4. Each team’s topic will stay the same between the District and State levels.

5. Research on the topic must be current and a result of the students’ efforts.

6. The topic questions will be shared through the Iowa FFA Online prior to districts.

V. Advancing to the State Event 1. A chapter is asked to have a minimum of five high quality public forums prior to their state qualifying

event. These forums provide the opportunity for a state qualifying team to receive a maximum of 5 points

at the state event. Evidence of these forums, in the form of a verification letter, shall be turned in at

the state event. An example letter is provided later in the rules.

2. High quality forums are those presentations made to community groups that would have an invested

interest in the issue. High quality forums can also be with smaller numbers of individuals who hold

elected, appointed or some other official position that will be making decisions on the issue.

3. Examples of low quality forums would be dropping in at a local business and giving a presentation to the

workers or going to the home of one of the parents to give a presentation.

VI. Scoring - Team Presentation (125 points) 1. Introduction (20 points)

Statement of the issue

Details why issue is important

2. Pro Viewpoint (20 points)

Identification of positive points

Points addressed are relevant and credible

3. Con Viewpoint (20 points)

Identification of negative points

Points addressed are relevant and credible

4. Summary of pro/con viewpoints (20 points)

Restate the issue

Summarize the argument presented from both sides

5. Effectiveness of presentation (20 points)

Participation of each team member.

Creative in how main points are made. (It makes no difference, for the “creativity” score, if team is in

costume or official FFA dress.)

Quality and power of the presentations.

Speaks at the right pace to be clear.

Pronunciation of words is clear and intent apparent.

No distracting mannerisms that affect effectiveness.

Gestures are purposeful and effective.

-8- Approved: September 21, 2019

Well poised with good stage presence.

Use or overuse of any technology or prop that reduces the focus on the content provided by the team

and team’s presentation of the content can result in a lower presentation score.

6. Questions (25 points)

Appropriate response and knowledge of the issue will be evaluated from team members’ responses.

7. Deductions

There will be a five point deduction from the scorecard of any team that draws a conclusion

supporting a pro or con viewpoint during the formal presentation. (-5 points)

Extended setup or teardown of room. (-0.1 point/second)

8. STATE ONLY: Evidence of Forums (5 points)

The chapter has provided 5 letters of evidence of 5 high-quality forums for the judges at the state

competitive event.

VII. Awards District: Chapters: FFA Certificate (Awarded in Chapter Packets at DLC)

Individuals: FFA Certificates (Awarded in Chapter Packets at DLC)

State: Chapters: FFA Certificate (Awarded in Chapter Packets at SLC)

Individuals: FFA Certificates (Awarded in Chapter Packets at SLC)

Champion Team: Plaque (Awarded on Stage at SLC)

Cash Award (Awarded in Chapter Packet at SLC)

Reserve Team: Plaque (Awarded on Stage at SLC)

Cash Award (Awarded in Chapter Packet at SLC)

3rd Team Cash Award (Awarded in Chapter Packet at SLC)

4th Team Cash Award (Awarded in Chapter Packet at SLC)

5th Team Cash Award (Awarded in Chapter Packet at SLC)

All awards subject to available sponsorship through the Iowa FFA Foundation.

VIII. Event Hosting Guidelines/Checklists

Needed Materials Checklist:

____ Ag Issues Judges Score Form on white (1 copy x 3 judges x Total Number of Teams)

____ General Critique Forms on blue (1 copy x 3 judges x Total Number of Teams)

____ Ag Issues Summary Form on yellow (1 copy)

____ Ag Issues Judge Letter, Showcase Respect for all Cultures (1 copy x 3 judges)

____ 2 Tables for Judges

____ 3 Chairs for Judges

____ 2 Tables for Participants

____ 7 Chairs for Participants

____ A/V Cart for electricity and projector(s)

____ 1 projector screen

____ “10 Minutes” Time Card

____ “14 Minutes” Time Card

____ Stopwatch

____ Pens/Pencils for Judges

____ Flashlights for Desk Lamps for Judges

Event Chairperson:

Refer to “Guiding Principles for Managing Leadership CDE’s” for specific directions.

IX. Event Forms

-9- Approved: September 21, 2019

Showcase Respect of all Cultures Letter for Judges

To Whom It May Concern:

The Agricultural Issues Event respects and promotes the practice of one’s first amendment rights. The event is a

unique opportunity for students to research and embody a stance on an issue that the student may normally not

align with personally. By the students embodying a professional with a different set of beliefs, they can gain a

deeper understanding of the issue. It is your role as a judge to remain unbiased and not take sides on the issue(s).

A high quality judge in the Agricultural Issues Event can remove their personal beliefs and evaluate the students

on the rubric outlined in the Iowa FFA Association Ag Issues & Perceptions CDE Rules.

Additionally, we ask that students demonstrate the same level of respect. Students should always show respect to

all cultures, including those different from the speaker. In no manner should a team provide a forum that could be

considered offensive to a culture different from themselves. Answers to questions should be answered with facts

rather than opinions or stereotypes. The definition of culture is broadly defined, therefore, it is recommended to

consider all cultures as professionals. It is further recommended that teams present their forums to diverse

audiences, including the dynamic of cultures represented in the presentation. By completing this task, written and

verbal feedback should provide a quality measure on the cultural sensitivity of the forum.

Thank you for serving as a judge for the Agriculture Issues Event and for making the competitive event a success.

With your assistance, this event will provide students with insight on some of the most pressing issues of our

times.

Sincerely,

Iowa FFA Ag Issues CDE Chairpersons & Assistants

Iowa FFA Association

FFA Enrichment Center

1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway

Ankeny, IA 50023

www.iowaffa.com

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Judge's Score Form (one sheet per judge)

Use this form to score each team's materials and presentation.

Write additional comments on the (blue) comment sheets.

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Judge's Ag Issues & Perceptions FFA Event Summary

This form is to be used by Event Chairperson to report results of the judging.

Judge Names:

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Event: Ag Issues & Perceptions CDE

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12/7/2009

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Our team presented six times in front of many groups and businesses throughout the

community. The first presentation was shown to the DeWitt Night Lions on April 1st 2010. It was an eye

opening experience for us as they challenged our research to depths we had never imagined. We left

that night in utter amazement of the vast amount of information that was left untapped. After many

more hours of research we presented to the American Legion Post 238. Here our knowledge proved

suficient and we were commended for our accurate explanation of TIF financing. However, they did

bring up points that we as a group decided deserved more explanation. That night we presented to the

First Central State Bank staff. After we finished our presentation, the group partook in more of a

discussion rather than questions. The staff members were happy to expand on points that we were

having trouble finding information. They also helped us understand what caused the issue and when it

began. Our group left that meeting more informed and better prepared for state contest. The next

group to meet with us was The DeWitt Ex. Chapter of the T.T.T. Society, which is a group of women who

hold high executive positions in the community. They helped us improve on our speaking abilities and

critiqued our grammar during questions. Our final presentation was to the local Farm Bureau. They

seemed to be impressed with the completeness of our presentation and did not have much to

contribute to improving on the issue. We did many presentations in front of our own alumni chapter.

They helped us feel more comfortable performing and finding groups to demonstrate our topic to. They

were always there if we had any questions or needed help finding individuals to interview.